Bald Eagle Migration Update: April 16, 2003 Today's Report Includes:
Lastest Migration Map and Data Link to Latest Data: Field Notes from Peter Nye Another big week!
I thought he may have overshot where he wanted to be initially, and was making short-range adjustments--searching for familiar landmarks. (The long distance movements of migrants are likely based on coarse guides--major landmarks like mountain ranges or coastline, etc. Some also suspect the sun and magnetic fields. As they (he) gets closer, he'll use more refined landmarks, smaller and more familiar to guide him 'home.')” The other possibility is that he may have run into some really severe weather, and simply retreated a bit, as we have seen before with some of our Bald Eagles on their way north. Let’s see what happens next...
I am heading on a journey myself--a family backpacking vacation to Grand Canyon/Four Corners area. Tough to bring my laptop and get service in the Grand Canyon. So, you won't be hearing from me for a while. Unfortunate timing, Journey North and eagle movement-wise, but that's when my kids are off from school. The work will start as soon as I get back. First I've got helicopter surveys for 3-4 days, to monitor nesting eagles around the state. From the helicopter, we try to determine the stage of nesting, the age and number of young, etc. Based on that information, the following week I start nest visits for banding. Those continue for all of May and June. Back in touch on the 30th... Pete
How is Animal Migration Like a Human Vacation? Speaking of travel, how is a human vacation different from an animal migration? For example, have YOU ever traveled without a suitcase? When people go on a trip, a lot of planning and preparation takes place. How about a bald eagle? Compare and contrast the purpose of travel, the preparations required, and the consequences of any mistakes. You're sure to appreciate an animal's remarkable journey even more after comparing their abilities to our own. Let's Visit an Eagle Nest! You can't hop into Pete Nye's helicopter for his New York nest survey, and you can only imagine what's happening in the eagle nests way up in Canada right now. However, you can take a peek inside one Bald Eagle nest any time you want. The "Eagles Online" webcam, sponsored by Northeast Utilities, sends live shots from a Connecticut River Bald Eagle nest, where egg #1 may be about to hatch:
Field Notes by Remote: Spring Nesting Phenology of Eagles
Challenge Question #17 When Will Eggs Hatch in Canada? Let's make some assumptions and predictions about Nye’s eagle nests in Canada, using information from the nest in Massachusetts.
Challenge Question #18 What Does the Blue Leg-band Mean?
(To respond to these questions, please follow the instructions below.) Discussion of Challenge Question #15 What’s the Weather Like in Labrador? We asked, "According to the map, what were the snow and ice conditions like in Labrador on Monday, April 7?" Michelle St. Wendelin's High School stepped forward with her observations. "It looks to me like Labrador was mostly snow covered," she said. Be sure to visit the NOAA site and watch the 31-day animation! Discussion of Challenge Question #16 Highs and Lows in Labrador?
Try This! How’s the weather for your favorite of Peter Nye’s eagles? Print out Environment Canada’s weather map, visit online for weather data, and record temperatures for each of the eagle nests. Does it EVER get warm in Canada? These eagles certainly seem hearty, to consider New York a warm overwintering area! How to Respond to Today's Challenge Questions:
1. Address an e-mail message to: jn-challenge-eagle@learner.org
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